ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
POSITION DESCRIPTION
_______________________________________________________________
TITLE:
MANAGER, RSB GUIDE AND ASSISTANCE DOG SERVICE
(RSBGADS)
DIVISION:
RSB GUIDE AND ASSISTANCE DOG SERVICES
APPROVED BY
MANAGER – SEPTEMBER 2015
_______________________________________________________________
MAIN PURPOSE
Responsible to the Executive Director, for the day-to-day management and
development of the RSB Guide and Assistance Dog Service.(RSBGADS)
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Supervise, train, and accredit under the relevant international training
standards, RSBGADS staff and Volunteers.

Source and ensure the supply of suitable dogs, including both puppies and
mature Dogs as required, to maintain the Puppy Educating, Breeding and
Training programs for each of the services.

Oversee the operation of the RSBGADS’s Puppy Education program, and the
preparation and training of the puppies and volunteer Puppy Educators within it.

Assessment and training of suitably prepared dogs to enable them to become
RSB Guide and Assistance Dogs. Ensure training standards care are met by
training staff.

Assessment of the suitability of applicants for RSBGADS, matching of suitable
applicants to compatible trained Guide Dogs, and training of clients in the safe
and appropriate use of the Guide Dogs as a mobility aid.

Promote and professionally represent the RSB and its Guide and Assistance
Dog services, including promotional and public awareness events, and develop
partnerships with other Guide Dog organisations and Professionals.

Establish and maintain suitable policies, procedures and documentation for the
Services to ensure that they meet appropriate Quality Accreditation and
International Assistance and Guide Dog standards.

To maintain compliance in all policies and quality assurance in line with the
RSB’s Quality Management System.
DUTIES

Supervise and monitor the performance of the relevant RSBGADS staff and
volunteers, and provide the necessary training to ensure that they are
appropriately qualified and carry out their roles in a competent manner.

Ensure that RSBGADS staff and volunteers undertake their roles and
responsibilities in a safe and proper manner, and in accordance with the
RSBGADS’s Human Resource and WHS policies and procedures.

Ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of, understand and conduct
themselves in accord with all RSB policies and procedures that relate to the
undertaking of their duties and responsibilities, including the email, Client
Service and local area policies.

Monitor the supply of dogs for the RSBGADS and forecast the number of
Puppies required in the Puppy Education program to ensure that sufficient
Dogs are available for Guide Dog training when required.

Identify and establish diverse sources of Puppies that meet the required quality
standards in order to optimise the success rate of puppies entering the
RSBGADS Puppy Education program.

Oversee the operation of the RSBGADS’s Puppy Education programs inconjunction with the RSBGADS’s Volunteer Coordinator, including the
recruitment, training, and monitoring of suitable volunteers, and the monitoring
and assessment of puppies and Dogs in these programs.

Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate Veterinarians, equipment
suppliers, food and consumable suppliers to meet the needs of the puppies
and Dogs in the RSBGADS.

Participate in the process of ‘matching’ and exchanging of trained Dogs from
the available RSBGADS pool.

Oversee and monitor the suitability of RSB clients who have been referred by
the RSB’s Orientation and Mobility service or external partners for matching
and training with an RSB Guide Dog.

Oversee and monitor the suitability of clients who have been referred by
external sources and partners to the Operation K9 and RSB Autism Assistance
Dog Services, for assessment matching and training with an Assistance Dog.

In conjunction Marketing and Fundraising Manager, support the RSBGADS’s
Public Relations, Community Education and Fundraising activities.

Liaise with other Guide Dog professionals and develop networks with interstate
and international organisations to keep abreast of developments in the field and
to support the RSBGADS’s Dog supply, matching and training activities.

Identify, assess and mitigate risks associated with the RSBGADS and maintain
a risk register.

Ensure that proper documentation, case notes, records and statistics are
completed in an accurate and timely manner, ensure that the confidentiality of
RSBGADS information is maintained, and provide reports as required to
Management.

Ensure accreditation with IFGDS and ADI is maintained.

Undertake other duties as directed.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria

An internationally recognised qualification as a Guide Dog Instructor (in
accordance with the standards of the International Guide Dog Federation).

Demonstrated skills in the development and provision of a Guide and
Assistance Dog service, including breeding and Puppy Education programs.

Proven management skills.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to relate
to persons of all ages, and people from CALD backgrounds.

A high level of initiative, and in conjunction with RSBG Management, a
preparedness to innovatively work outside of ‘traditional models’ where
appropriate.

Demonstrated leadership including strong personal organisation, planning and
prioritising skills.

Proven team skills and with the capacity to work within a multi-disciplinary
team.

The ability to professionally represent the RSBGADS in the community, and
establish effective liaison networks with other Guide Dog professionals.

A sound knowledge and understanding of disability services and empathy for
people who have a disability.

A current Driver’s Licence.

A police clearance.
Desirable Criteria

In addition to a recognised Guide Dog Instructor qualification, a dual
qualification in the discipline of Orientation and Mobility Instructor

Qualification as a Guide Dog Assessor.

Established networks with other Guide Dog agencies.

Experience in working with Volunteers.

Knowledge and understanding of genetics and principles of breeding.

Experience in public speaking.

Strong computer skills in Word processing and Database.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Occasional interstate and country travel will be required.

Weekend or after hours work will be required.